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Original Bows

Discussion in 'Early Jeep Restoration and Research' started by mickeykelley, Oct 2, 2021.

  1. Oct 2, 2021
    mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

    Republic of Texas
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    I’m looking for a pic or diagram of the original factory bows from the 50’s. I when thru the top history thread but didn’t see anything. Of course some images are now no longer linking up.
     
  2. Oct 3, 2021
    jwmckenzie

    jwmckenzie Sponsor

    Boston, MA
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    Is this what you are looking for, These are for a CJ5/6. Not sure of the '50's. Currently building a set for my CJ6

    [​IMG]
     
  3. Oct 3, 2021
    mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

    Republic of Texas
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    Wow, more pieces than I expected. I currently have the Bestop super and while it works, it’s a pain to take off and on. Even unzipping and removing side plastic window sections is a pain, let alone trying to put it back on. I also have the summer top, but it does nothing for the rear seat area. So when it comes time to replace it, I’m looking at other options.
     
  4. Oct 3, 2021
    Jw60

    Jw60 Sitting up n buckled down. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sedalia MO.
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    What book do you have there? Does it have the half cab, as I think the top bracket on the bow would need to look different.
     
  5. Oct 3, 2021
    Lockman

    Lockman OK.....Now I Get It . 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Silver Hill,...
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    Do you really have that much trouble ? It is a bit of work, but I like the simplicity on my SuperTop System . I often rub Silicon on the zippers.......that, & a soft set of pliers help a lot.
     
  6. Oct 3, 2021
    Alan28

    Alan28 Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Châtillon en...
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    I understand the subject, it seems. You want a summer AND a winter Jeep. Having 2 Jeeps is a solution, but not easy.
    I have a metal hard-top so I know the problem.
    I have the small top (bikini) for summer but it is not protecting the rear of the Jeep.
    I build my own top with cotton canvas and transparent supple sheet . I made some sewing and glueing.
    It works well, easy to install, I use the roll bar as support. It is a protecting roof but no more, not a protection closed.
     
  7. Oct 3, 2021
    mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

    Republic of Texas
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    I got the bikini top looking for fair weather protection and I love the way it goes on quick and easy. But found it lacking in the rear protection, so this year I just left the supertop on after the winter, but removed the sides, rear and doors. Removing was pretty easy, but when I tried to put them back on due to rain, it was a PITA getting the zippers started and that bottom plastic clip hooked, especially on the side where the spare is. It was a quick refresher of the hassle of that part. And trying to due it on the trail when raining, miserable. In any event, just looking for something simpler. The older versions that used those twist knobs for front windshield and sides just seems easier, but it probably has its issues too.
     
  8. Oct 3, 2021
    mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

    Republic of Texas
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    One interesting thing are the cotton straps. I assume the front to rear is to keep the 2 bows together but the rear one is all on the center metal part of the bow. What am I missing?
     
  9. Oct 3, 2021
    Jw60

    Jw60 Sitting up n buckled down. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sedalia MO.
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    door holders.
    I read that somewhere...
    The canvas keeps it pulled together.
     
  10. Oct 4, 2021
    jwmckenzie

    jwmckenzie Sponsor

    Boston, MA
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    I don't think the top in the pic would be easy to put up and down. My first jeep had a full top but instead of the sides being zippered to the top, they simply rolled up. I had that Jeep when we lived in Dallas. I don't think I ever took the to off. In the summer the sides and back were rolled up and the doors taken off and stowed. In the winter all sides snapped down. IIRC the doors had windows that zipped but just the bottom stayed attached so they would fold inside.

    If I were you I would explore how to get the sides to roll up on your Bestop.
     
  11. Oct 4, 2021
    mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

    Republic of Texas
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    The way it’s made to sides won’t roll. Either on or off. The back can roll, in theory, but as a practical matter, the roll is so big and stiff that it hangs in the way of the rear view via mirror.
     
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